Hannah McGregor, co-host of Material Girls and author of Clever Girl: Jurassic Park, dives into the captivating world of blockbusters. She discusses the nostalgia surrounding iconic films like Jurassic Park and explores how the industry has shifted from star power to intellectual property dominance. The conversation reveals the challenges facing modern cinema amidst a decline in movie attendance and highlights the balance between CGI and practical effects in engaging audiences. From Barbie to Twisters, McGregor sheds light on the evolution and future of blockbuster films.
The evolution of blockbusters illustrates a shift from traditional filmmaking to a reliance on franchises and established intellectual properties for box office success.
Nostalgic discussions around iconic films emphasize the unique communal experience of movie-going and the historical context that shaped modern cinema culture.
The decline in theater attendance is largely due to competition from home viewing, increased ticket prices, and changing societal behaviors around film consumption.
Deep dives
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Nostalgia and the Blockbuster Experience
Personal memories of viewing iconic films, particularly in theaters, highlight the unique experience of blockbuster movies. The conversation reflects on the societal changes in movie-going experiences, emphasizing films like 'Jurassic Park' that created a sense of eventness, often tied to shared audience reactions. Discussion about 'picture palaces', large themed theaters from earlier decades, illustrates how the ambiance of watching films in a communal setting amplified the cinematic experience. This nostalgia underscores the importance of historical context when discussing current film culture and attendance.
The Evolution of the Blockbuster
Blockbusters are primarily characterized by their large budgets, star power, and broad audience appeal, often adhering to formulaic storytelling structures. Recent trends indicate a shift from traditional movie stars to franchises and intellectual properties (IP) dominating box office success, as seen with films like those from Marvel and 'Jurassic World.' The term 'blockbuster' originally described films that generate long lines for tickets, but now signifies anything that captures massive audience attention. This evolution reflects both the cultural shifts in how movies are marketed and consumed, as well as changes in technology affecting viewer preferences.
Challenges Facing Movie Theaters Today
The podcast discusses the decline in theater attendance, with ticket sales halving since 2004 due to increased competition from home viewing options like streaming services and video games. High ticket prices and the convenience of watching at home have caused movie-going to feel like an indulgent expense to some. The shift in societal behavior, where multitasking dominates, complicates the traditional movie-watching experience, making it difficult for audiences to disconnect from distractions. This financial and cultural landscape poses significant challenges to theaters, which must adapt to maintain relevance.
Reimagining What Makes a Hit Film
The success of recent blockbusters, such as 'Barbie' and 'Top Gun: Maverick', is largely attributed to their use of established IP along with unique storytelling methods that resonate with audiences. These films balance nostalgia with modern themes, allowing them to reach wide demographics effectively. Additionally, elements like strong marketing strategies and creating an 'event' atmosphere around releases have contributed to their success in theaters. The discussion underscores the unpredictability of the blockbuster phenomenon, where even with formulaic approaches, certain films break through as cultural hits.
Sometimes I forget just how many classes I took on the history of cinema — or that I used to teach a class on it! — but then I have a conversation like the one you’re about to listen to and remember: oh right, I am a huge film history dork. This episode, featuring the brilliant Hannah McGregor, travels all over the past, present, and future of the blockbuster, from the theory of the “whammy,” to Hannah’s book on Jurassic Park, from Barbie to Twisters, from why we started going to the movies to why we’ve (largely) stopped. It’s a ROMP and incredibly listenable — perfect for wherever you’re driving or to have on in the background while you chop one million brussels sprouts.
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